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I I I Council Meeting Minutes May 11, 1993 Page 4 Council Business, continued Williams feels the traffic issue is a neighborhood problem caused by area developments creating additional traffic flow into established areas. Forestdale, Driftwood and Redwood are designed as residential streets and handle traffic comfortably, however, the Torchwood development caused conditions to worsen. Williams proposes Torchwood be closed at its intersection with Forestdale, retaining of the 8th St. barricade, and denial for funding to upgrade a temporary signal on Forestdale. The Torchwood neighborhood would then use Stinson and 5th St. for access. This proposal may cause inconveniences, but for overall safety, its worth the extra travel time to remove traffic from Forestdale, Driftwood and Redwood. He does not believe 8th St. should be opened because it is scheduled to be permanently closed in two years. He questions a $50,000 expenditure for a temporary solution, and feels speed humps are a cosmetic approach to a real problem. Rick Freimuth, resident, feels the community has become polarized over this issue, and limiting Torchwood to one exit causes inconvenience and emergency access problems. He requested a detailed cost breakdown for the signal plan, and feels the ultimate solution is the redesigning of the Forestdale intersection in the Silver Lake Road reconstruction plan. Williams feels the Torchwood traffic creates a dangerous situation for the people on Forestdale. Mr. Freimuth agrees the Torchwood area contributes to traffic, but feels two exits are needed. Williams confirmed that the Police and Fire Departments will evaluate the emergency access issue. Rebelein feels the closure of Torchwood would reduce speed levels on Forestdale. Don Keegan, Torchwood, noted that at previous meetings the residents voiced opposition to the retaining of the 8th St. barricade. He presented a petition which showed a majority favoring the barrier removal. Williams asked what problems have been created by the 8th St. barrier. Mr. Keegan said more children live on Redwood and Driftwood that are affected by the barrier. Because of this barrier, residents now drive an additional 3/4 mile to get to Silver Lake Road. Era Idele, Forestdale, noted that Forestdale was originally a deadend street before the Torchwood addition. She feels it would be inconvenient and cumbersome for Torchwood residents to go to 5th St. to exit and requested the opening of 8th St. Cathy O'Keefe, 760 Redwood, feels the barrier has become a convenience issue for those opposed and supports the Torchwood proposal. Dave Larson feels the safety of more children are involved when the barrier remains. Williams asked where the children live and Larson's opinion of the Torchwood option. Mr. Larson noted that most children live on Driftwood and Redwood, and prefers not to address the Torchwood option. Council Business Redwood Traffic Issues Report 93-135